The former Reds captain shared a video with the ECHO to pledge his support to the campaign to save Zoe’s Place
Steven Gerrard shows his support for the Zoe’s Place fundraiser
Steven Gerrard has issued an emotional plea for people to support the campaign to save Zoe’s Place. The Liverpool FC legend has joined a number of famous faces to pledge their support for the vital hospice.
Zoe’s Place has provided palliative and end-of-life care for babies and young children at its centre in Yew Tree Lane, West Derby since 1995. The city was shocked last week when it was announced the charity would be closing its doors for good.
The lease on the charity’s current site is up next year and it said it had run out of time to raise the necessary funds for a new home. However, the devastating news has sparked an outpouring of support with people from all over Merseyside determined to do all they can to save the facility.
The ECHO has joined a city-wide campaign to try and raise a huge £5 million in the coming weeks to try and fund the move to a new site. Gerrard has added his voice to the fundraising efforts today in a video shared with the ECHO.
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The former Reds captain said: “I just wanted to do a little short video message regarding Zoe’s Place. This is a charity that is very close to myself.
“It’s one that I’ve supported for many years. Giving these children and these kids the best end of life care is really important for all the families that are local and beyond.
“I’d ask everyone to dig deep as they possibly can and please raise as much money as we possibly can to save Zoe’s Place. I’ll certainly be supporting it. This is really important for our city. In times of need, this is when the city all pulls together and we’ll get there.”
The 44-year-old has joined a growing list of famous faces to back the campaign, including Jamie Carragher, Peter Reid and Claire Sweeney. There is a huge range of fundraising efforts taking place across the city, from sold-out comedy gigs to music concerts, to sponsored abseils and walks.
Many local businesses are also donating takings to the cause. In a remarkable effort, Liverpool-based clothing brand Montirex have contributed more than £100,000 to the Zoe’s Place fundraiser. The ECHO’s fundraiser for Zoe’s Place has now also launched.
Staff members will walk from our office on Old Hall Street to Zoe’s Place and back (10 miles) on October 26, to do our bit to help save this vital charity in our city. You can find out more here.
The ECHO wants to hear from everyone who wants to join this campaign and everyone who is fundraising for Zoe’s Place. We are open to all ideas. Please contact [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] in aid of Zoe’s Place.
